How To Know if You Are Having a Miscarriage: Signs To Watch

Pregnancy can be a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also bring worries and uncertainties. One of the most common concerns for expectant mothers is the possibility of miscarriage.

While it's a topic that's often whispered about, it's important to have open, honest conversations about miscarriage to help women feel less alone and more informed. Let's explore the signs and symptoms of miscarriage, and what steps to take if you're concerned.

What are the first signs of having a miscarriage?

Recognizing the early signs of miscarriage can be crucial for seeking timely medical attention. However, it's important to remember that some of these symptoms can also occur in normal pregnancies, so try not to panic if you experience them. The most common early signs include:

• Vaginal bleeding: This can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding, sometimes accompanied by clots. While some bleeding during pregnancy can be normal, it's always worth checking with your healthcare provider.
• Cramping: Mild cramping is common in early pregnancy, but severe or persistent cramping, especially when combined with bleeding, could be a sign of miscarriage.
• Lower back pain: A dull, aching pain in your lower back that's more intense than typical pregnancy discomfort could be cause for concern.
• Loss of pregnancy symptoms: If you suddenly stop experiencing common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness or breast tenderness, it might be a sign that hormone levels are dropping.

Would it be obvious if I had a miscarriage?

Contrary to what many people believe, miscarriage isn't always a dramatic or obvious event. In fact, some women experience what's known as a missed miscarriage, where the pregnancy has ended, but the body hasn't yet recognized it. In these cases, there may be no outward signs at all.

For others, the signs can be quite clear. Some women describe the experience as similar to a heavy, painful period. Others may pass tissue that looks different from typical menstrual blood. The experience can vary greatly from person to person, which is why it's so important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy.

Did I miscarry or is it my period?

This is a common question, especially for women in very early pregnancy. It can be difficult to distinguish between a miscarriage and a period, particularly if the pregnancy wasn't confirmed with a test. Here are some differences to consider:

• Timing: If you're experiencing bleeding around the time your period would normally start, it could be your period. However, if you're sure of your dates and the bleeding is occurring when you wouldn't expect your period, it could be a sign of miscarriage or a chemical pregnancy.
• Amount of bleeding: Miscarriage bleeding is often heavier than a typical period and may contain clots or tissue.
• Pain level: While both periods and miscarriages can cause cramping, the pain associated with a miscarriage is often more intense.
• Pregnancy symptoms: If you had been experiencing pregnancy symptoms that suddenly disappear along with the bleeding, this could indicate a miscarriage rather than a period.

How can I confirm I had a miscarriage?

If you suspect you've had a miscarriage, it's crucial to seek medical confirmation — not just for peace of mind, but for your physical health. Your healthcare provider will often be able to confirm whether or not you’ve experienced a miscarriage.

This might be by doing blood or urine tests to check for hCG levels (human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced by pregnancy), conducting an ultrasound (often a trans-vaginal ultrasound, where the wand is inserted into your vagina), and, sometimes, a physical exam. In some cases, they might recommend waiting and repeating these tests after a short period to confirm the diagnosis.

When to seek immediate medical attention

While some bleeding during pregnancy can be normal, there are situations where you should seek immediate medical care. These include:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour or less, either with or without passing tissue with golf ball-sized (or larger) clots
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Dizziness, fainting, or fever

Coping with the possibility of miscarriage

The fear of miscarriage or a threatened miscarriage can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that most pregnancies result in healthy babies. If you're worried, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide reassurance, perform necessary tests, discuss the next steps, and offer support.

Remember, even if you do experience a miscarriage, it's not your fault. Miscarriages are unfortunately common, affecting about 10-25% of known pregnancies, and are usually due to chromosomal abnormalities that are beyond anyone's control.

It's okay to feel a range of emotions — sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief. Everyone processes these experiences differently. Be kind to yourself, seek support from loved ones or professional counselors if needed, and know that having a miscarriage doesn't mean you won't be able to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Understanding the signs of miscarriage can help you seek timely medical care and support. While it's a difficult topic, being informed can help you feel more in control of your health and pregnancy journey.

Remember, your healthcare provider is your best resource for any concerns about your pregnancy. Don't hesitate to reach out — that's what they're there for. You're not alone in this journey, and there's support available every step of the way.

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Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.